UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a woman in the VIP bathroom after an NBA finals game.
The Irish mixed martial arts champion, 34, allegedly “aggressively” kissed the woman before forcing her into oral sex at Miami Heat’s Kaseya Stadium, Florida, on June 9.
In a letter from her lawyers, the woman said she was “isolated and trapped” by security at the basketball game who refused to let her leave the toilets. She says she “continuously elbowed” McGregor to try to fend off his advances, and accidentally left her purse behind when she ultimately escaped, and claims that was then “held hostage” by security.
The woman has handed over her clothes as potential evidence to the police, and through lawyers has now accused McGregor, right, of sexual assault, battery, unlawful restraint, kidnapping, and inflicting emotional distress.
Responding to the allegations, McGregor’s lawyer said in a statement: “The allegations are false. Mr McGregor will not be intimidated.”
The woman’s lawyer, Ariel Mitchell, has claimed there is video footage of part of the alleged attack.
Miami police have opened an investigation into the allegations. They said: “This is an open investigation so no additional information can be released at this time.”
UFC, the NBA, and Miami Heat are also conducting their own inquiries.
In a statement, Miami Heat said: “We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.”
UFC said: “The organisation is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident.”